Distinctions between conventional and organic farming

Understand the distinction between conventional and organic farming to enhance your appreciation of the wine in your glass.

Conventional Farming: Anything Goes

In the Vineyards:

• Chemicals and Glyphosate: Conventional farming permits the use of various chemical products, including glyphosate, herbicides, and fungicides. Systemic products penetrate the plants through leaves and roots, potentially leaving traces in the final wine.

In the Cellar:

• High Sulfur Use and De-alcoholization: Large amounts of sulfur are used as preservatives. Additionally, heating the grapes is allowed to mask undesirable flavors from subpar grapes, enabling winemakers to produce wine even from less-than-ideal fruit.

Organic Farming: Purity and Hard Work

In the Vineyards:

• No Synthetic Chemicals: Organic farming prohibits synthetic chemicals. Only “Bouillie Bordelaise” (a mixture of lime and copper sulfate) is allowed. No chemical herbicides are permitted, necessitating more manual labor to control grass and increased vigilance over the vines, especially during the spring and summer. For example, this year’s heavy rains have made it particularly challenging to prevent mildew since organic products can be washed away. The main goal is to produce a clean wine free from chemicals.

In the Cellar:

• Fewer Additives and Lower Sulfur Use: Organic winemaking allows fewer additives and less sulfur. There’s no “conventional magic” with numerous products to artificially enhance the wine’s flavor or smoothness. In organic farming, crafting a good wine requires hard work to grow quality grapes, which then translate into great wine. Organic wines are a true expression of their terroir, showcasing the natural characteristics of the land.

Organic farming demands dedication and effort, but the result is a wine that speaks authentically of its origin, free from artificial enhancements. When you choose an organic wine, you’re not just enjoying a drink; you’re experiencing the essence of the vineyard’s unique environment.